Evolution of Jewish Law
MICHAELLA S
Written Law
The most prominent type of Written law is the Torah. The giving of the Torah began on Mount Sinai. The Torah consists of 5 books: Bereshit (genesis), Shemot (exodus), Vayikra (Leviticus), Bamidbar (numbers) and Devarim (Deuteronomy).
Neviim is a collection of religous books about the lives and views of important prophets in Jewish History. These prophets include: Yeshoshua, Shoftim, Shmuel, Melakhim, Yeshayahu, Yirmeyahu and Yechezquel.
The Ketuvim are a collection of individual stories, philosophical essays, songs and poems. Moreover, it also contains a continuation of the historical narrative from the exile into Babylon until the return to the land of Israel and the construction of the second temple.
A torah scroll
Jewish Prophets
The Mishna
Oral Law
When? Where? How?
The Mishna+ Gemara= Talmud. The Talmud Bavli (Babylonian Talmud) was compiled in the year 500 C.E. by two Babylonian sages: Rav Ashi and Ravina. The Talmud Bavli is the one studied most today.
In the 3 centuries after the compilation of the Mishna, many discussions were raised. These discussions were recorded in writing and formed the Gemara.
Throughout Jewish history, many commentators commented on various written passages within Jewish texts. These commentators include: Rashi, Rambam and Tosfot.
Many volumes written on Jewish Law bought the need of codification. Codification makes Jewish law accessible and gives a definite answer. On the other hand, it reduces diversity of opinion and minimizes discussion. These codes include: Shulhan Aruch and Mishna Torah written around the middle ages.
The responsa are made up of well-respected rabbis who have been asked a specific question, and include a full description of the situation, references to the applicable Talmudic passages, the rabbi's answer, and the reasoning behind his opinion. Responsa began to function in the Middle Ages and continue to the present day.
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